How are you feeling? What to listen to, read and watch if you're anxious

With everything going on right now, from the constant news updates around COVID-19 to social distancing, it's easy to feel inundated. We're all cycling through a lot of emotions, many at the same time, and it can be overwhelming. 

That's why CBC Music has created a series of curated care packages full of music, videos and stories to help, based on how you're feeling. We also asked CBC Music hosts and producers to pick songs to fit each mood. 

If what you're feeling right now is anxiety, then here's some quality content to get you through it. Let us help!

To Listen

Song: "Cut to the Feeling," Carly Rae Jepsen

"When I am feeling really anxious, I need to be reminded that this moment will pass. I want to get on my feet and dance it out. Carly Rae Jepsen is the queen of the perfect dancefloor pop song. Even if that dancefloor is your living room." — Saroja Coehlo

When you're anxious, sometimes what you really need is some soothing music to play in the background and clear your mind. We suggest two streams for you:

• Classical Serenity is a relaxing classical mix to provide a beautiful backdrop for your day.

• Play, listen, and pause. Let our Meditation playlist sooth your soul and calm your mind.

To Read

'I needed to stop': Marie Davidson on leaving the club scene — and taking care of herself

Sometimes when you're dealing with anxiety, what you really need is a break. That's how musician Marie Davidson felt, whose anxiety led to a sleeping pill addiction. Her solution: stepping away from music. "I feel closer to myself," she tells CBC Music about her experience. 

We asked a music therapist how to relieve anxiety caused by social distancing

A music therapist tells us how music can help ease anxiety and regulate any mood you're in. "Everybody's using music to self-soothe, to regulate their own mood," he says. "Music has a connection with memory, brings us emotions ... it's how you use it now in order to make it a musical prescription."

'I don't like fame': Matthew Good is making music for himself, not to become a celebrity

Musician Matt Goode has dealt with anxiety for most of his career. After achieving success in the '90s, now he's grappling with making music in an all new landscape — one that is changing even more today.

To Watch

• Dallas Green's newest album is called, appropriately, A Pill for Loneliness. No matter how you're feeling, it's the perfect soundtrack for social distancing. Watch him perform it live for a CBC Music audience back in November. 

• Or maybe you need nothing but the soothing sounds of a solo piano. For that we have Alexandra Stréliski.

• Or if that's too quiet, there is also pianist Jean Michel-Blais' collaboration with Grammy-nominated electronic producer CFCF.  

We hope that helps. We also have care packages for when you're feeling sad, peaceful, hopeful, bored, inspired, empathetic or angry.